POLISCI 152:Introduction to Game Theoretic Methods in Political Science (POLISCI 352)

Concepts and tools of non-cooperative game theory developed using political science questions and applications. Formal treatment of Hobbes' theory of the state and major criticisms of it; examples from international politics. Primarily for graduate students; undergraduates admitted with consent of instructor.

Last offered: Spring 2014
| UG Reqs: WAY-FR, WAY-SI

POLISCI 211B:International Cooperation and Institutions

World politics is often described as a state of war. And yet, the historical record suggests that war is the exception, not the rule. In this course, we seek to understand why relations between most states, most of the time, are defined by peace and cooperation. We will explore the causes of international conflict and how international institutions -- from formal international organizations to international law and norms -- promote cooperation and help states resolve their conflicts peacefully. Students will engage classic texts and cutting-edge research and leverage evidence-based theory to develop policy solutions to important contemporary global challenges in policy-design labs.

POLISCI 211M:Past, Present, and Future of War

This course offers a forward-looking introduction to international security. Students will learn how political science historically explains conflict and assess how well these explanations describe international security threats in 2018, including those surrounding China, North Korea, Syria, and ISIS.

| UG Reqs: WAY-SI

POLISCI 212C:Civil War and International Politics: Syria in Context (POLISCI 212X)

The Syrian civil war is both a humanitarian disaster and a focal point for a set of interlocking regional and international political struggles. This course uses the Syrian case as an entry for exploring broader questions, such as why do civil wars begin, how do they end, and what are the international politics of civil war. Please enroll in 212C for WIM credit.

POLISCI 212X:Civil War and International Politics: Syria in Context (POLISCI 212C)

The Syrian civil war is both a humanitarian disaster and a focal point for a set of interlocking regional and international political struggles. This course uses the Syrian case as an entry for exploring broader questions, such as why do civil wars begin, how do they end, and what are the international politics of civil war. Please enroll in 212C for WIM credit.

POLISCI 213E:Introduction to European Studies (INTNLREL 122)

This course offers an introduction to major topics in the study of historical and contemporary Europe. We focus on European politics, economics and culture. First, we study what makes Europe special, and how its distinct identity has been influenced by its history. Next, we analyze Europe's politics. We study parliamentary government and proportional representation electoral systems, and how they affect policy. Subsequently, we examine the challenges the European economy faces. We further study the European Union and transatlantic relations.

2017-2018 Spring

POLISCI 215:Explaining Ethnic Violence

What is ethnic violence and why does it occur? Should elite machinations, the psychology of crowds, or historical hatreds be blamed? Case studies and theoretical work on the sources and nature of ethnic violence. Counts as Writing in the Major for PoliSci majors.

Why do states develop nuclear weapons and why do some states, that have the technological capacity to build nuclear weapons, refrain from doing so? What are the strategic consequences of new states deploying nuclear weapons? What is the relationship between the spread of nuclear energy and the spread of nuclear weapons? We will study the political science and history literature on these topics. Research paper required.